Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 College Catalog & Student Handbook 
    
2022-2023 College Catalog & Student Handbook [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Care and Education (ECED), A.A.S.


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The Early Care and Education Associate Degree in Applied Science program is designed to prepare individuals for employment in a variety of educational and child care programs for children from birth through school age. Recent research and interest in the importance of education of children during the first three years of life has provided for a growing number of new opportunities in the field. Graduates are prepared to assume positions in programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, public schools, childcare, after-school care, public or private preschools or kindergartens, or working with children with special needs.

Courses in the program are available in a variety of formats.

Students entering this program of study must furnish a copy of High School Diploma or GED Certificate.

The Associate Degree in Applied Science with a major in Early Care and Education does not lead to teacher licensure, but opportunities for transfer to senior colleges and universities are available. The T.E.A.C.H. South Carolina Scholarship program may be available for persons already employed in child care.

The Associate Degree in Applied Science with a Major in Early Care and Education is accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children.

 

Click on the following link(s) for additional program information:

Total Credit Hours: 21


Following is a list of courses required to complete this program. Since some courses are offered once a year, courses should be taken in the following sequence in order to complete the program in a timely manner:

Full-Time Schedule


First Year


Second Year


Fall Semester


Total Credit Hours: 15/16

Spring Semester


Total Credit Hours: 12/13

Part-Time Schedule


First Year


Total Credit Hours: 10

Spring Semester


Total Credit Hours: 9

Summer Semester


Total Credit Hours: 6

Second Year


Total Credit Hours: 9

Total Credit Hours: 9

Total Credit Hours: 6

Third Year


Fall Semester


Total Credit Hours: 9/10

Spring Semester


Total Credit Hours: 9/10

Management Electives


67/68 Semester Hours


*Required for students to obtain the South Carolina Early Childhood Credential.
**Required for students to obtain the South Carolina School-Age Credential.
***Intended for those desiring to transfer.

This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Education & Training.

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